Baird's Sparrow update (Larimer)

[Nick Komar]

[Please excuse crossposting]. Aran Meyer accompanied a small group of us this morning and authorized us to get off trail at Soapstone Prairie Natural Area in search of evidence for Baird's Sparrow nesting. While we did not confirm nesting, we did increase the count of singing Baird's Sparrows along the pronghorn loop trail to 8 birds. We also found 4 more singing a short distance away (1/4 mile) along the Plover Trail, which is now open for public use. The birds along the Plover Trail should be well lit in the afternoon. Also lots of McCown's Longspurs along the Plover Trail. The turnoff for the Plover Trail is a 3-mile hike (each way) from the entrance kiosk. Trail maps are available at the entrance station.

Nick Komar
Fort Collins CO